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The Real ABCs
Teach Your Kids Listening Skills
By Jodie Lynn
4. Encourage good listening skills by doing some of the following:
- Establish a purpose for the communication.
- Always have good eye contact by getting down on their level while talking.
- Try to speak about an interesting or favorite topic.
Try not to stop what is being said for interruptions unless there is a question about it. - Offer nonverbal and verbal responses.
- Divide listening and talking roles.
- Pay close attention to what is being said and offer an opinion on it.
- Ask the child to repeat what you have already talked about, but do so without drilling.
- Don't forget to be attentive when they are talking as well.
Even if your child is not entering school or childcare, begin teaching them listening skills anyway. It's a good idea to get started on this as soon as possible. If you do, interaction and communication in playgroups, on play dates, in school and in many other places will be less stressful and more productive in the end. Childcare providers, camp directors, teachers, coaches and other parents will love you for it, guaranteed.
